Former Pa. Gov.: The ‘Good Thing’ About Newtown Is That it Was ‘So Horrific,’ Gun Control Advocates Have Been ‘Galvanized’

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell during a Friday broadcast of MSNBC’s “NowWith Alex Wagner” explained why he thinks it’s a “good thing” that the shooting spree in Newtown, Conn., that left 26 people dead, including 20 children, was “so horrific.”

“The good thing about Newtown is, it was so horrific that I think it galvanized Americans to a point where the intensity on our side is going to match the intensity on their side,” said the former mayor, referring to the current debate between gun control advocates and supporters of the Second Amendment:

His remarks were made in response to a question from host Alex Wagner who argues that “no one, anywhere” wants to abolish the Second Amendment.

“Newtown seemed like an inflection point, if you will — a change in the national dialogue about sensible gun laws,” said the MSNBC host.

“And yet, the response that we have seen in recent days from members of the gun-toting – gun-toting enthusiasts and the NRA has been, to say the least, something that has – has dismayed me and very much disappointed me. I wonder what you make of some of that rhetoric,” she added.

Final Thought — Don’t be too shocked by the former governor’s remarks. After all, this isn’t the first time that someone on that network has noted, with a certain amount of satisfaction, the political opportunities presented to their cause by a terrible tragedy:

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